Industrial Applications

50th Anniversary Perspective: Living Polymerization—Emphasizing the Molecule in Macromolecules

“…A heroic early attempt at carrying out a living-like radical polymerization was reported by Zimm and co-workers in 1957: relying on the Smith–Ewart model of emulsion polymerization in which there should never be more than one growing polymer chain per micelle, controlled periods of exposure of the photoinitiated polymerization to light with long periods in the dark resulted in the preparation of “monodisperse” polystyrene. Shell began to market polyisoprene prepared by anionic polymerization. , …”

“…Shell began to market polyisoprene prepared by anionic polymerization. 49,50 Momentous developments in polymer chemistry continued through the 1960s. The development of ill-defined ROMP catalyst systems continued in a number of research groups, notably at DuPont 51 and in Natta's group, 52,53 and Calderon and co-workers at Goodyear carried out fundamental work into understanding the metathesis mechanism and applications.…”

Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Applications

“…Well-defined BCPs with structural and compositional homogeneity prepared using LAP have served as templates for structure-property relationship studies and have also found many important industrial applications such as adhesives and sealants, in automotive, wire, paving, and footwear applications, etc. [ 54 ].…”

“…The remarkable mechanical properties are attributed to the microphase separation of the two chemically incompatible blocks, PS and PI (or PB). SIS with high 3,4-isoprene exhibits a broad glass transition close to room temperature, providing a very good vibration damping material at room temperature [ 54 ]. Polyethylene (PE) or poly(ethylene-alt-propylene) can be obtained through the hydrogenation of the diene block; such products exhibit superior stability under light and oxygen.…”

“…Polyethylene (PE) or poly(ethylene-alt-propylene) can be obtained through the hydrogenation of the diene block; such products exhibit superior stability under light and oxygen. Hydrogenated SBS has been used in applications such as electrical wire and cable sheathing due to its cold temperature flexibility and higher extendibility to incorporate flame retardants over conventional poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) [ 54 ]. Star-block copolymers of butadiene and styrene have found applications in adhesives and sealants [ 87 ].…”